

There is the possibility that a health care provider refuses to follow your advance directives. Talking with your loved ones ahead of time may help them better navigate unanticipated issues. This is another key reason why having conversations about your preferences is so important. For example, you may be in a complex medical situation where it is unclear what you would want. This means that your health care provider and proxy will do their best to respect your advance directives, but there may be circumstances in which they cannot follow your wishes exactly. Will an advance directive guarantee your wishes are followed?Īn advance directive is legally recognized but not legally binding. To find out the laws in your state, contact your state legal aid office or state bar association. Or they may assign a physician to represent your best interests. If you have no family members, some states allow a close friend who is familiar with your values to help. If you are unmarried and have not named your partner as your proxy, it’s possible they could be excluded from decision-making. This is typically your spouse, your parents if they are available, or your children if they are adults. If you do not have an advance directive and you are unable to make decisions on your own, the state laws where you live will determine who may make medical decisions on your behalf. What happens if you do not have an advance directive? Planning now for your future health care can help ensure you get the medical care you want and that someone you trust will be there to make decisions for you. At any age, a medical crisis could leave you unable to communicate your own health care decisions.
NURSING CARE PLANNING MADE INCREDIBLY EASY PDF UPDATE
Think of your advance directives as living documents that you review at least once each year and update if a major life event occurs such as retirement, moving out of state, or a significant change in your health.Īdvance care planning is not just for people who are very old or ill. Learn more about choosing a health care proxy.

Having a health care proxy helps you plan for situations that cannot be foreseen, such as a serious car accident or stroke. A proxy can be chosen in addition to or instead of a living will. Your proxy, also known as a representative, surrogate, or agent, should be familiar with your values and wishes.

You may assume your loved ones know what you would want, but that’s not always true. How can you get started with advance care planning?ĭuring an emergency or at the end of life, you may face questions about their medical treatment and not be able answer them.Other advance care planning decisions and forms.Will an advance directive guarantee your wishes are followed?.What happens if you do not have an advance directive?.
